Geetu Mohandas Shatters Stereotypes, Equated With Sandeep Vanga?

Filmmaker Geetu Mohandas is rewriting the rulebook with Toxic, proving that bold storytelling, intimate scenes, and edgy narratives are not the exclusive domain of male directors such as Ram Gopal Varma or Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The film's teaser has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many drawing comparisons between Geetu and some of Indian cinema's most provocative filmmakers.

Producer Lagadapati Sridhar believes Geetu has broken new ground. "She has broken all the rules. The teaser and promotional videos have worked wonders, creating a storm online and significantly raising expectations for the film. It has become one of the most-watched teasers in recent times, and audiences have embraced it despite lots of trolls," he says.

According to Sridhar, Geetu's cinematic sensibilities are evident in every frame. "She comes from an acting background, and her husband is a cinematographer. That combination is reflected in the visual richness and emotional depth of the film," he notes. He also points out that the female characters, played by Kiara Advani, Rukmini Vasanth, and Nayanthara, have generated considerable interest as they are portrayed as strong, confident, and independent women.

Sridhar adds that superstar Yash, who enjoys a massive fan following, has never attempted such an intimate sequence before, making it even more striking. "The buzz is amplified because Toxic is directed by Geetu Mohandas rather than filmmakers usually associated with bold storytelling, such as Ram Gopal Varma or Sandeep Reddy Vanga," he says.

However, Sridhar believes cinema should not be viewed through the lens of gender. "I don't like differentiating between male and female directors. A film should be judged solely on its vision and execution, not on whether it is made by a man or a woman," he asserts.

Actor-turned-director Jeevitha Rajasekhar also dismisses the notion that women filmmakers are confined to feel-good entertainers. "Women are capable of handling every genre, including action and hard-hitting subjects. Talent has nothing to do with gender," she says.

While acknowledging that filmmaking has traditionally been a male-dominated profession, Jeevitha believes the industry is gradually becoming more inclusive. "Some women from educated and well-to-do families may still hesitate to enter the film industry, but that mindset will change as more women take centre stage and inspire others to pursue their creative ambitions in Tollywood," she concludes.